Did education dumb you down? A child starts out with boundless creativity and imagination, then it steadily decreases as education increases. I base this assertion on over 30 years of observing business leaders and regular folk across the globe.
It is all well and good that humans grow up and cut back their wild childhood fantasies—that they no longer shade human drawings purple or green—after all, we all know that people come in black and white, with a few having a brownish or reddish tint, due to an unclean paintbrush. However, along with the decline in childhood fantasies, comes a reduction of innovation and problem solving—critical skills for success in the adult world.
This is a travesty of formal education, misunderstood and misapplied. It started with our ABCs that went in only one particular order. Then in algebra, we learned only one right answer to every question and all others were wrong—and by the way, the latter can be proven scientifically to be incorrect.
With rapid changes in science, technology and human thinking, the value of education is not its content or knowledge, but rather, the side benefit of learning how to learn—and we should never stop learning until the world stops changing.
QUESTIONS:
When last did you deliberately learn something new—not just new facts, but a new way of thinking? Without it, you could stagnate and shrink mentally; you could be the first to get laid off at work; you could resent society for not working as it should. Action: Read self-help books. Study a little philosophy for free online. Get smarter friends! 
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Learning is definitely a life long process. I do think that creativity is minimized to be more realistic but from time to time I get new ideas. I will definitely be reading self help books and try to study some philosophy. I definitely agree that if I change the way I think, I can change the way I do things, I will have a different outlook on life and I can become a better person.
That’s great, Kevelle. I promise that in that pursuit, it will add light and energy to your walk…you might even want to fly.:)
While I do believe that education often emphasizes conformity, I believe it’s not education itself but rather the way it’s implemented within school systems that can sometimes stifle creativity and innovation. Education isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; it should cater to diverse learning styles. Personally, the last time I tried to learn something new outside of academics was when I “taught” myself how to crochet. Sadly, I had to give it up due to a lack of free time. Nonetheless, I strongly believe that deliberate learning and embracing fresh perspectives are essential for personal growth, helping us evolve, broaden our horizons, and avoid stagnation.
Johnelle, I cannot argue with that. Perhaps it is better to say “the educational system” rather than education.
I believe that learning and education are not just for a day but it’s a continuous process. However, I do agree that after some time the need or drive of an individual decreases the higher they go in the academic life. Yes, it gets harder but it may not be as fun learning as it was before as less attention is given to teaching and learning. The last time I learned to do something new, is when I taught my self how to do nails. interesting i find it very fun
I agree with the fact that higher education has taken away our creativity and innovative skills. In fact, the large volume of information taught while pursuing higher education is my greatest reason why I have not spent time learning something new. It is exhausting to try to learn something that I will not be tested on later. I rather do something fun and exciting and give my brain a rest.
As the saying always says “we are never too old to learn something.” Since recently, I took it upon myself to learn how to drive and it not as easy as persons make it seem to be. It has changed my thinking on it completely.
to me education is not about making people less smart, but about helping them become more creative and better at solving problems. Sometimes, schools can be too strict and not allow us to use our imagination, but the real value of education is in always wanting to learn and being able to adapt. In today’s world, where things are always changing, it’s really important to keep learning new things and being open to different ideas. We should actively look for chances to learn, like reading, studying new subjects, or talking to smart people. By doing this, we can keep growing and doing well in a world that is always changing.
I’m constantly learning and evolving, whether it’s through absorbing new information, exploring different perspectives, or challenging my own assumptions. Embracing continuous learning is essential to staying relevant and adaptable in a rapidly changing world. It’s not just about acquiring new facts, but also about developing new ways of thinking and approaching problems. Whether it’s reading self-help books, delving into philosophy online, or engaging with intellectually stimulating peers, I actively seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge and perspective. By nurturing a mindset of lifelong learning, I aim to remain mentally agile and prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world.